International Max Planck Research School "The Leipzig School of Human Origins"

The International Max Planck Research School “The Leipzig School of Human Origins” (IMPRS LSHO) is a unique PhD program that combines different disciplines to study the evolutionary history and origins of humans and other primates.

The IMPRS LSHO is based at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and Leipzig University which are both located in Leipzig, Germany. Our international PhD program brings together PhD students from various scientific backgrounds who select a research topic that falls within the scope of one of four disciplines:

Comparative and Molecular Primatology

Functional Genomics and Paleogenomics

Paleoanthropology

Human Behavioral Ecology and Developmental Psychology

In addition, PhD students receive extensive expert information outside their chosen topics, broadening their horizons towards potential interdisciplinary approaches. When they graduate from the Leipzig School of Human Origins after three years, PhD students will have obtained expert knowledge, skills, and an innovative spirit to start a successful career in evolutionary research and beyond.